Primers, face mists, pore strips, lip scrubs and tinted moisturizers are all "controversial" beauty products labeled (by some) as the most undeserving of your hard-earned paychecks. Some beauty editors, skin experts and makeup artists flaunt their obsession with the products I've listed above, and some practically condemn them as ineffective industry propaganda. This just proves that everyone likes different things, and you should really just buy any beauty product you dang well please.
In a previous life—a life I'll dub BTM (Before Tinted Moisturizer)—I stubbornly maintained that I just wasn't a fan of tinted moisturizers. They pilled, they didn't match my skin, and they never provided me with the pretty wash of lightweight subtle coverage they promised. Eventually, after some peer pressure from a friend and fellow beauty editor, I tried a new formula I was convinced I'd hate, but miraculously, I became head-over-heels obsessed with it. It turns out that with literally any product in our saturated beauty universe, finding your perfect formula requires some elbow grease. Even if the first (or fifth) option is a fail, that doesn't mean there isn't a glowing new find to be discovered just around the river bend.
Of course, we all want to reduce the number of products we have to wade through to reach that destination, so I turned to three of the industry's top makeup artists to share the best tinted moisturizers they use on themselves or their A-list clientele. Another perk? Tinted moisturizers are one of the best coverage options for those with mature skin. The way tinted moisturizers are formulated makes them less likely to settle into wrinkles or fine lines, they often impart dewy and plumped-up results and many feature youth-enhancing skin goodies that mature skin will gladly lap up.
If you seek higher coverage, a more traditional foundation or an all-encompassing CC cream might be a better choice, but if you have mature skin that doesn't need heavy amounts of coverage, makeup artists say tinted moisturizers are definitely the best strategy for keeping skin fresh, even and as revitalized as possible. Keep scrolling for 10 of the best tinted moisturizers for mature skin according to makeup artists.
1. Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon lists this best-selling tinted moisturizer as one of her all-time favorites for mature skin. "All of my favorite tinted moisturizers have a smooth finish, variable coverage and SPF protection. They also have skincare benefits like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which are my favorite for promoting skin-plumping hydration and brightness."It's true—this lovely formula from Chantecaille is brimming with goods and features non-toxic minerals and botanical compounds designed to fend off free radicals, smog and the sun (all of which can lead to visible signs of aging!)
Enhance it with: Chantecaille Radiance Elixir
Wear underneath your tinted moisturiser to boost glow and radiance.
2. Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Editors and makeup artists alike have gone completely gaga for Ilia's newest holy-grail formula. It's one that Aharon prioritises for mature skin thanks to its flawless finish, but for extra insurance, she recommends enhancing your tinted moisturizer application with a few other key product players such as concealer.
Enhance it with: Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer
"Most often, I'll combine a tinted moisturizer with a concealer since there are often spots on the skin that require a little more coverage, like around the nose and under the eyes," Aharon says.
3. Erborian BB Crème Nude
For those who love the look of dewy, plump and youthful skin, this hydrating sheer formula is another top tinted moisturiser among beauty editors."Whether you're using your fingertips, a Beautyblender (£17), a sponge or a brush, be gentle with your skin and minimize pulling. Also, makeup can tend to settle into fine lines throughout the day no matter what you use, but a light powder can help prevent this!" says Aharon, who also notes adding a primer to your routine might prove helpful.
Enhance it with: Beautycounter Mattifying Powder
A makeup sponge will help your tinted moisturiser apply flawlessly. Dampen the sponge slightly and squeeze out the excess before bouncing the sponge over the skin to blend.
4. Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
"I love tinted moisturizers for mature skin," notes celebrity makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown. "While still lending a bit of natural coverage, a tinted moisturizer will also add a lovely layer of hydration, which mature and often dry skin needs. The result is clean, plump, glowing skin with a satin finish, and this kind of product really floats over the skin, so it's less likely to settle into fine lines."Brown names this formula from Bobbi Brown as one of the absolute best for mature skin, sharing that it has enough pigment to help even out the complexion while also adding loads of skin-plumping moisture. She suggests topping it off with the addition of a creamy blush. "The two creamy products really melt together on the face beautifully—work a cream blush into the cheeks on top of tinted moisturizer to provide a believable boost to your skin's natural flush."
Enhance it with: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks
This is one of the prettiest blusher products I've tried, and it can also be patted onto the lips for a flush of colour.
5. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
"This tinted moisturizer from Nars is also a favorite of mine for mature skin," says Brown. She reveals it's a great option for providing a sheer veil of coverage in very specific undertones for a flawless, true-to-skin-tone match. Plus, it has SPF 30 for extra sun protection without a greasy texture."Applying with clean hands is best for tinted moisturizers," says Brown. "I suggest using fingers and really massaging the product on like a true moisturizer—the heat from your fingers will melt it into the skin. Massage and press into the face with quick, short strokes, starting in the centre of the face and working outward. The centre of the face tends to need more coverage, so starting there deposits a bit more product, and then you can gently feather it out."If you're worried about too much shine, Brown says she always uses a translucent pressed powder compact with tinted moisturizers. The formula will help take the shine down a touch while allowing the skin to breathe and locking down the pigment for durable coverage. Opt for a beauty sponge or brush, and just lightly tap your translucent powder on the T-zone to dull any glisten you don't want.
Enhance it with: Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
This powder has a light-reflecting finish (think radiant, not glittery), so it won't leave your skin looking flat.
6. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-in-One Glow
"I love tinted moisturizers for mature skin, especially this formula from YSL," confirms celebrity makeup artist Autumn Moultrie. "It has sunscreen, and it is so lightweight yet provides coverage." If you're a fan of the brand's ultra-famous brightening pen (see below), you'll surely fawn over this complete complexion pick.
Enhance it with: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Pen
Just about every makeup artist loves this iconic brightening pen. It works brilliantly at concealing dark circles and has a radiant finish.
7. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
FYI: This tinted moisturizer just might be the most iconic OG formula in the bunch. Moultrie cites it as another favourite, and it also promises 24 hours of durable skin hydration, which is paramount come summer. (For the dreamiest glowing finish, I personally recommend pre-gaming with the brand's equally iconic illuminating primer, which is linked below.)
Enhance it with: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer
This primer looks great worn alone but really enhances the radiance of your tinted moisturiser, too.
8. Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation
If you're on the hunt for a great tinted moisturizer with a satin finish, Moultrie says this top-rated formula from Kosas is another one she routinely recommends for mature skin. It plays host to beautiful ingredients like oils from jojoba, avocado, and raspberry seed and also feels feather-light and satiny on top of your face. As an added bonus, it has a 16-shade colour range that the brand says can be worn across 48 different skin tones.Since this tinted moisturizer yields a more mattified and satin-smooth finish, boost your glow (if you're into that kind of thing) with the brand's new baked bronzer.
Enhance it with: Kosas The Sun Show Moisturizing Baked Bronzer
Sweep across cheeks, nose and forehead for a healthy flush of colour.
9. L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation With SPF 50
Technically, this affordable option isn't a tinted moisturizer, but thanks to the luminous, veil-like consistency, Moultrie loops it into the same product family. She also shares that it's impeccably lightweight and boasts skin-blurring perks. As with all of her other favorite tinted moisturizers, she typically will apply with her fingers after adding a hydrating base of moisturizers and serums. She doubles up the two formulas below from IS Clinical right before she goes in with her tinted moisturizer of choice.
Enhance it with: IS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum & IS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion
Keep skin hydrated with this cooling and skin-quenching serum.
The emulsion texture of this moisturiser leaves skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
10. Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen
Lightweight and packed with hydrating ingredients, this tinted moisturizer is like a drink of water for your skin. Plus, it has sunscreen and gives your skin a radiant glow.
Enhance it with: Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush
This lightweight blusher melts into the skin beautifully, leaving a natural-looking flush.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
